Linebacker, San
Diego Chargers
Age: 21
College: Maryland
Height: 6’4” Weight: 272
Prelude:
The Chargers
picked Merriman in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft (12th
overall), who had received All-ACC recognition in college. While it was speculated
that he might play at defensive end, he was utilized as an outside linebacker
for San Diego. A holdout initially slowed his progress and he didn’t move into
the starting lineup until seven games into the season, but his presence had a major
impact on the defense.
2005 Season Summary
Appeared in 15
of 16 games
[Bracketed
numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]
Sacks – 10 [15,
tied with Adewale Ogunleye]
Most sacks,
game – 2 vs. Kansas City 10/30, vs. Buffalo 11/20, at Indianapolis 12/18
Interceptions
– 0
Fumble
recoveries – 0
Forced fumbles
– 2
Tackles – 43
Assists – 14
Awards &
Honors:
NFL Rookie of
the Year: Sporting News
NFL Defensive
Rookie of the Year: AP, PFWA
1st
team All-NFL: Sporting News
Pro Bowl
Chargers went
9-7 to finish third in the AFC West while leading the NFL in fewest rushing
yards allowed (1349).
Aftermath:
Merriman
followed up in 2006 by leading the NFL in sacks with 17. He received consensus
first-team All-NFL honors as well as another Pro Bowl selection. Tenacious,
aggressive, and fast, he quickly established himself as a premier pass-rushing
linebacker who could also play well when dropping back into coverage. He had
another 12.5 sacks and was selected to a third Pro Bowl in 2007, but a major
knee injury that required surgery cost him virtually all of the ’08 season and
marked the beginning of the end of his career. While he came back in 2009,
nagging injuries hindered Merriman’s play and he was released while on injured
reserve during the 2010 season and signed by Buffalo. He saw little action with
the Bills due to injuries and, after playing at defensive end in 2012, retired.
Overall, he accumulated 45.5 sacks, with all but six of them coming during the
first three outstanding years of his injury-derailed career.
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Rookie of the Year Profiles feature players who were named Rookie
of the Year in the NFL (including NFC/AFC), AFL (1960-69), or USFL (1983-85) by
a recognized organization (Associated Press – Offense or Defense, Newspaper
Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, or the
league itself – Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year).
